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Assessing English on the Global Stage - The British Council and English Language Testing, 1941-2016 (Paperback)
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Assessing English on the Global Stage - The British Council and English Language Testing, 1941-2016 (Paperback)
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This book tells the story of the British Council's seventy-five
year involvement in the field of English language testing. The
first section of the book explores the role of the British Council
in spreading British influence around the world through the export
of British English language examinations and British expertise in
language testing. Founded in 1934, the organisation formally
entered the world of English language testing with the signing of
an agreement with the University of Cambridge Local Examination
Syndicate (UCLES) in 1941. This agreement, which was to last until
1993, saw the British Council provide substantial English as a
Foreign Language (EFL) expertise and technical and financial
assistance to help UCLES develop their suite of English language
tests. Perhaps the high points of this phase were the British
Council inspired Cambridge Diploma of English Studies introduced in
the 1940s and the central role played by the British Council in the
conceptualisation and development of the highly innovative English
Language Testing Service (ELTS) in the 1970s, the precursor to the
present day International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
British Council support for the development of indigenous national
English language tests around the world over the last thirty years
further enhanced the promotion of English and the creation of soft
power for Britain. In the early 1990s the focus of the British
Council changed from test development to delivery of British
examinations through its global network. However, by the early
years of the 21st century, the organisation was actively
considering a return to test development, a strategy that was
realised with the founding of the Assessment Research Group in
early 2012. This was followed later that year by the introduction
of the Aptis English language testing service; the first major test
developed in-house for over thirty years. As well as setting the
stage for the re-emergence of professional expertise in language
testing within the organisation, these initiatives have resulted in
a growing strategic influence for the organisation on assessment in
English language education. This influence derives from a
commitment to test localisation, the development and provision of
flexible, accessible and affordable tests and an efficient
delivery, marking and reporting system underpinned by an innovative
socio-cognitive approach to language testing. This final period can
be seen as a clear return by the British Council to using language
testing as a tool for enhancing soft power for Britain: a return to
the original raison d'etre of the organisation.
General
Imprint: |
Equinox Publishing Ltd
|
Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
Release date: |
July 2017 |
Authors: |
Cyril J. Weir
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Dimensions: |
234 x 156 x 25mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback
|
Pages: |
392 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-78179-492-0 |
Categories: |
Books >
Social sciences >
General
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LSN: |
1-78179-492-8 |
Barcode: |
9781781794920 |
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